Literacy in 2015

Literacy in 2015

In 2015, MEHRD have put a focus on EARLY YEARS LITERACY. This is a focus on supporting teachers in Grades 1 – 3 to teach in more effective ways, to help students learn English and learn to read, write and speak in English.

In 2015 we have 5 KEY MESSAGES for Literacy.

Literacy happens in students’ handsLiteracy is about constructing/putting it all togetherDifferent texts need different strategiesReading happens in the head, not on the lipsLiteracy is every day

Our implementation focus for 2015 is Local activity, central supportThis means that training, support and activity will be designed and implemented by the local Education Authority (provincial, church and independent), with the support (expertise, finding, strategy) from the central MEHRD office through the new Literacy Programme Management Unit (LPMU). Click here for more information about the LPMU

Activities for 2015

27 – 29 January 2015

The first Literacy Leaders Forum for Education Authority staff was held at SIBC in Honiara. Most EAs were represented along with a number of NGOs who work in education. This forum was convened by MEHRD and presented by the Literacy Advisor, Marie Quinn.

Aims of the forum• To explore what makes a strong Early Years Literacy classroom• To identify the strengths of what is currently happening in Solomon Islands Early Years classrooms and what needs attention• To learn some new strategies to share with teachers• To plan literacy action in EAs for 2015

Over 3 days, the participants looked at the following topics:• What is Early Years and why is Literacy important for our attention?• What does SISTA tell us?• What do we see in SI classrooms?• Early Years Literacy Strategy for SI classrooms in 2015• Talking to learn in EYL classroom• Bilingual practice• Reading in the EYL classroom: Modelled, Shared, Guided• Diagnostic testing in Grades 1 – 3• Spelling strategies• Writing in the EYL classroom: Modeled, Shared, Guided• English syllabus: what is new?• What should be in an Early Years classroom to support literacy learning?The most important outcome for this workshop was that all EAs came up with the beginning of a plan to support literacy improvement in their area. There will be many more activities occurring in EAs and these will be reported on this web page.